NHL Rumors: Barry Trotz to Winnipeg Jets Heating Up

Hockey insider Elliotte Friedman regularly mentions whoever the first team is that gets linked to a player or a coach, keep an eye on them because there's a reason they were mentioned first. Well it's first come, first serve with this one as when Barry Trotz was fired by the New York Islanders, everyone starting pointing at the Winnipeg Jets, and sure enough it appears that ball is rolling.

Hearing Winnipeg is interviewing Barry Trotz for its coaching position today.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 17, 2022

Trotz met with the Jets on Tuesday for an interview and appears to be the runaway favorite for the job. Trotz' defensive style could be something that benefits the Jets a tremendous amount and the two could be a match made in heaven for general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff.

Trotz went 152-102-34 on Long Island and was let go by New York with one season left on his current deal. He helped lead the Islanders to the Eastern Conference Final in both 2020 & 2021, so it came as a shock to see him relieved of his duties.

The 59-year-old head coach has a resume that speaks for itself and would be a welcomed voice in the Jets dressing room. He's won the third-most regular-season games of all time (914) and won the Stanley Cup, leading the Washington Capitals to victory in 2017-18. 

Hey Vegas- please don’t hire Barry Trotz. Just give Winnipeg a break this one time

— Jesse Pollock (@jpolly22) May 16, 2022

The Jets coaching carousel continues after Paul Maurice resigned out of nowhere during last season and interim coach Dave Lowry was told he'd have to apply for the position if he wants to be considered. Now, it appears it's Trotz who will help try to steer the Jets in the right direction.

Photo credit:  Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports